Minister recalls childhood domestic violence

Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard has revealed in his new book experiences of domestic violence in his childhood, sharing personal accounts from his upbringing on Amager. In the book, not intended as an autobiography, Hummelgaard argues for increased societal action against child physical and psychological violence. Although 41-year-old Hummelgaard has not had contact with his violent father for many years and did not consult him about the book, his mother consented to its publication. Recalling feeling constantly vigilant at home, Hummelgaard describes harrowing incidents, such as being thrown against wall-mounted glass bottles. He outlines several proposals to prevent child violence, including educating citizens on recognizing signs of abuse and mandating child welfare investigations following reports of partner violence. Additionally, he expresses a specific concern for non-Western families, proposing that violence in such homes contributes substantially to higher crime statistics among individuals of non-Western origin.